on the subject of tires, what effect would it have to get tires with a higher load rating than what is required for the car? My car's minimum is 87 and I spotted a good deal on some Bridgestone's that are 91. I figure they probably have a stiffer sidewall but unsure how this would impact fuel economy. I'm sure it would help with handling though.
Higher load rating won't make the sidewalls stiffer, or at least not enough to reduce FE. Based on my studies, I think they would actually help.
Do they also accept higher pressure? If so, they're a no-brainer.
Either way, I suspect that in the long run, paying less for tires and/or getting longer treadwear saves more money than shopping for rolling resistance.
they are Bridgestone Potenza G009 and I believe they have a sidewall pressure of 44 max. They are only a 50K mile tire, but the OE tire on my Ion is the Goodyear Comfortred that is an 80K mile tire and at just shy of 40K I am almost to the wear bars. Up until a few months ago I was running them at 35 psi instead of the door sticker of 30. Right now they are closer to 40 psi thanks to this site. My wife also has an Ion that is a little over 16K on it now (bought both new). I have already raised the pressure in hers to around 37-38 so hopefully her's might actually get closer to 80K miles than mine.
G009's are great tires. But you probably already knew that, since you bought them.
I have no idea how they are for FE, since I was not even aware that tires affected FE when I was driving the Jetta. I've got some slim pickins when my Celica needs tires--not a lot of 13"s on TireRack. Maybe I'll just get some junk-yard tires.
I haven't bought them yet, but seriously considering at that price. I see PA listed as your location so I'm sure you see some snow. How are they in the snow? We get plenty here so I usually look for something that will be adequate all year round.
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